We’re thrilled to share this month’s Economic Drivers in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, starting with Illinois EDC’s very own Paulina San Millan—an Illinoisan for nine years and counting!
What inspired your career path and industry involvement?
My passion is supporting the community I live in, and I am interested in both business and government. Economic development felt like a natural fit from college on.
As a Hispanic/Latino leader in your field, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
I have faced several challenges. First, moving to this country alone, one of the hardest things was learning the culture and starting from the very bottom without knowing anyone. Second, expressing my ideas in English as a second language was challenging. Third, I used to be very self-conscious about my accent. I have overcome these challenges through practice and time. I am still learning every day, and I still have an accent, but I have learned that it is okay to have one.
Can you share a key moment in your career that shaped who you are today?
Having a daughter has shaped the way I embrace being a Latina woman. Before, I was a little self-conscious about defining myself as Latina. Now, it is important to me that my daughter understands Spanish and experiences Latin culture. I have always been proud to be Latina, but I am not self-conscious about publicly showing my Latin culture.
Who are (or have been) some of your mentors, role models, or inspirations?
My mom. They say you should never meet your hero, but she is a woman I know inside and out, and I am still amazed by how she successfully raised three girls with such strong values. She was humble and kind to every single person, regardless of their status. And the words “not possible” meant nothing to her. She always found a way to solve any issue that came her way.
What does success look like to you—professionally and/or personally?
To me, success is being happy and satisfied with what I do. It means knowing I am doing a good job at work while maintaining a work-life balance that allows me to spend time with my family.
How does being in Illinois contribute to your success as a Hispanic/Latino leader (if it does)?
Even though Chicago is the third-largest city in the U.S., access to leaders is much easier than in many comparable cities. Illinois is also a welcoming place where I have felt that Latin culture is embraced and respected.
What makes Illinois a strong place for Hispanic/Latino business leaders?
Illinois has the fifth-largest Latino population in the U.S. As I mentioned before, access to leaders is incredibly easy compared with other places, and there are many successful Latino business leaders across the state. That combination creates opportunities, connections, and a strong sense of community.
What policies, programs, or networks in Illinois have supported your professional growth or your organization’s mission?
The Illinois Economic Development Association. I am grateful to have been invited to serve as a board member and for the opportunity to learn from and connect with so many amazing economic development leaders across the state.
How do you or your organization support your local community or underrepresented groups?
Illinois EDC’s mission is to attract and retain companies, capital, and talent in Illinois. We represent the entire state, with a special focus on communities that are underserved or facing challenges retaining jobs and investment. Illinois EDC also organizes quarterly service days for employees and makes an intentional effort to support local and minority-owned businesses through our purchasing.
Are there any initiatives or organizations in Illinois that you’re proud to support?
There are so many great organizations in Illinois that help build a strong economic development ecosystem. I have a special interest in supporting local economic development organizations because they often work with limited resources while influencing such a wide range of issues in their communities.
What inspires you to continue to affect change in your world?
Seeing that most people are good inspires me, but so does recognizing how much need still exists. There are many underserved people who were dealt a harder hand and simply need more support and opportunities to succeed.
What does National Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally?
It is wonderful that our culture has a month dedicated to celebrating it. However, for me, what matters most are the day-to-day interactions with neighbors and the community, and seeing how they value, respect, and embrace Latinos throughout. For instance, seeing Americans stand up and protest against ICE raids gave me chills and left me in awe of how this community supported us.
What would you say to a young Hispanic/Latino professional considering launching or relocating their career to Illinois?
Illinois is a welcoming place for Latinos, with great access to leaders and many successful Hispanic and Latino role models to learn from and connect with.
Favorite Illinois historical figure:
Abraham Lincoln, for standing up for underrepresented populations and using his leadership to advance equality and opportunity.
Favorite book of all time:
Crónica de una muerte anunciada by Gabriel García Márquez
Best business advice you’ve ever given (or received):
Work hard, don’t complain, and trust that time and consistency will reward your efforts.
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